2008 subaru forester, trunk door problems?

the trunk/hatchback doesn't always shut all the way. we noticed it a couple of times in the summer, but it seems to be a real hassle now in the winter (we're in minnesota). it sort of "bounces" when shut (whether we do it soft or hard) and sometimes it takes more than a couple of tries for it to shut completely.

Comments

I cannot comment on the '09 Forester specifically, but I have problems with my hatches occasionally in the winter, especially with my '07 Outback, which had an aluminum hatch (very light weight). The colder the temperature, the more trouble with it latching. I think the problem involves the latch lubricant. At cold temperatures, it is more viscous and therefore does not allow the latch to move as quickly. When I try to shut the hatch, it bounces from the latch point faster than the latch grabs it. I find that firmly closing it, while keeping my hand(s) on the hatch with pressure, will get it to grab better. The applied pressure keeps the hatch from bouncing on initial contact, giving the latch time to grab.